Learning from the Source: lessons Abraham Lincoln & Me Primary Source Activity Book The Art of Mourning (Lincoln) Monumental Men Mourning Lincoln & the Art of Tribute Presidential Portraits Indian Territory Resettlement Guided primary source analysis activities A Plan of My Farm (Washington) Jefferson’s Pasta Machine Abolition frowned down (Quincy Adams) Rats Leaving a Falling House (Van Buren) Footrace, Pennsylvania Avenue (Tyler & Polk) … [Read more...]
Presidential Spotlight: George W. Bush
January 28, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Archived web site: Official Campaign Web Site - George W. Bush George W. Bush inauguration primary source set January 20, 1989 Foreign Affairs oral histories mentioning George W. Bush Reports related to George W. Bush The dot-com bubble, the Bush deficits, and the U.S. current account 2005 After the re-election of President Bush : an outlook on transatlantic relations from a German perspective 2005 Decisionmaking in Operation Iraqi Freedom : removing Saddam Hussein by force … [Read more...]
Guided Primary Source Analysis: States of the Union
January 13, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Read this In Custodia Legis blog post on State of the Union addresses from the Library of Congress. List the main points covered in the post. Then look at the text cloud made from the text of President Barack Obama's final State of the Union address given on January 12, 2016. What key words and themes are highlighted? How do those themes compare to the main headings of the address as categorized by the 2016 address White House web page? Create a text cloud (select Word list > Extract … [Read more...]
Guided Primary Source Analysis: Biggest Business in the World
April 23, 2014 by Leave a Comment
This campaign ad lists 10 pledges Senator Warren G. Harding promised to uphold. Which 3 do you think are most important for a politician to keep? Explain the reasoning for your choices. What pledges would you make if you were running for political office? Explain the reasoning for your choices. This campaign ad says the United States is the biggest business in the world. Read: The Business of America: The Economy in the 1920s, then answer the questions below. Was comparing the U.S. … [Read more...]
Today in History: Washington’s Continental Congress Correspondence
March 24, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–March 24–the Library of Congress features a letter George Washington wrote to the Continental Congress on this date in 1776, one week after British troops evacuated Boston but remained nearby. In the letter General Washington expressed his surprise and disappointment at the situation and went on to describe the exploits of the British in the area. During the Revolution, Washington maintained frequent correspondence with Congress. Learn more by visiting the Today in … [Read more...]
Today in History: Lincoln’s Inauguration
March 4, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–March 4–the Library of Congress features the first inauguration of President Abraham Lincoln, conducted on this date in 1861. Times were tense and Lincoln delivered his inaugural address under the guard of riflemen. In the speech he called for compromise and appealed for the preservation of the Union. Learn more about President Lincoln's first day in office by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary source about both … [Read more...]
Presidential Spotlight: John Tyler
February 19, 2014 by Leave a Comment
From America’s Library: Born: March 29, 1790 Died: January 18, 1862 John Tyler, 10th president of the United States, was called "His Accidency" by his foes because he was the first president to get the job without being elected to it. He took the helm when President Harrison died after only one month in office. Tyler had other "firsts" as president: His first wife was the first wife to die while her husband was still president, and he was the first president to marry while in … [Read more...]
Today in History: NASA & the Space Age
June 24, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–June 24–the Library of Congress features the dawn of the space age. On this date in 1961, the public learned of President John F. Kennedy's letter assigning Vice President Lyndon Johnson to coordinate the U.S. satellite programs. Under Johnson, the National Space Council recommended that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) provide policy coordination with all government agencies involved in space flight. Find out more about the U.S. quest to explore the … [Read more...]
Primary Source Spotlight: U.S. Presidents
February 14, 2013 by 1 Comment
Teaching resources: primary source lesson plans, activities & strategies Primary Source Learning: U.S. President lessons, analysis activities & more Primary Source Learning: Presidential Elections Primary Source Learning: Women in the White House Learning from the Source: Comparing & Contrasting Presidential Articles of Impeachment Presidential Spotlight: primary source collections George Washington John Adams Thomas Jefferson James Madison James … [Read more...]
Guided Primary Source Analysis: Snake Game
February 6, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Zoom into a detailed image of this game board (.pdf). Describe one thing you find interesting, one thing you think is curious or strange, and one thing you have a question about. Rules. This Game is played with Two Dice or a Tee-To-Tum; and any Number of Persons can play at it. From No. 1, in rotation, each throw brings the Player forward according to the Number thrown; and if it brings the Player on a Star Number, look at the direction and corresponding figure. — If the Player throws over 122, … [Read more...]
French photography pioneer Louis-Jacques-Mandé Daguerre. Check out our 
North American railroads switched to Standard Railway Time. Check out our 